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Compare the differences between Pilates mat exercises and Pilates machine exercises. Learn how machine gives you that added edge over pilates mat work.

When most people mentioned Pilates, they usually take it that it is done on the mat. Beginners to Pilates, prefer to start with pilates mat exercises thinking it is much easier and the way to go before progressing on to the reformer, which looks rather threatening and tough.

There are definite differences between using Pilates equipment, namely the reformer verses just doing Pilates on the mat. Here are some basic differences that are obvious to all.

Pilates mat exercises are great if you have limited space at home and you want to train at home or anywhere. The mat is very portable, takes up much less room, and is less expensive than a machine. You can roll it up and put it away when you are done with your workout. You can take it with you on vacation, or even to work. You will get a fantastic work out in the comfort of your own home or just about anywhere you like unlike the bulky machine.

However, these are other more important factors to consider when making a decision. Ask yourself the following questions:

Do you have any core strength?
Do you suffer from some kind of chronic pain?
Are you tight and stiff and wants to improve flexibility?

Joseph Pilates created the Pilates equipment pieces to assist his patients in the army camp. The purpose is to support the human body and make it safe and easy for his injured or de-conditioned patients to get stronger.

All the machines like the Trapeze Table, Reformer, Stability Chair, Ladder Barrel and more are created to make some routines that seems impossible, possible. We took most daily activities for granted. For instance, people who had lower back injury, lost their strength and flexibility of the spine. It is not easy for them to get out and up from a chair.

Here are more reasons why Pilates equipment is your obvious choice.

1.Support & Challenge
Most beginners new to Pilates are weak and have no core strength. It is hard to have them try to lift their hips off the floor in mat exercises. In a standard mat repertoire of Pilates routines, there are a number of such routines. If we take the same exercise onto the reformer for instance, it will be much easier. With both feet in the foot straps, the resistance of the spring helps to support this same hip lift. There is no struggling, holding of breath or tension from shoulders in an effort to perform this routine. This is just one of the many examples of the kind of exercises that can be easily performed on the reformer.

2.Economy of Time
When you compare the result of working 60mins on mat verses on the machine over a period of time, it has been proven people working with machines are stronger, have better overall muscular strength and endurance. In fact, they developed better stamina and core as well. Given that we are all busy individuals busy with hectic life to run, it is certainly wise to consider this as a major factor in better management of time schedule.

3.Effective Resistance
Working with springs as a form of resistance gives you an effective edge over body resistance. Springs can be adjusted according to your fitness level and the specific routine to be performed. It can also be loaded heavy to assist in pelvic lifts and lighten up for simple arm range of motion. Body resistance usually does not change, unless one starts to put on weight from no exercise or any other reasons. Hence, there is no possibility of increase body weight to challenge you further.

Resistance gives muscle its tone and definition, effectively strength. It also prevents osteoporosis, the loss of bone density. Working with resistance also improves metabolic rate which burns more calories when the body is at rest.

4.Result Orientated
Pilates on mat achieved results over time like Pilates equipment does. But nothing beats the kind of achievement you can get from working on the machines. Each machine can target specific angle of the body, enabling it to work deeper and more effective. On mat, if a certain range of motion is not possible due to body limitations like inflexibility of a certain joint, it is wise not to force it to avoid injury.

These are just some great reasons why Pilates machines triumphs over mat work. Do a combination of both to see the results for yourself!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Singapore Pilates & Rehabilitation is an an authenticSingapore Pilates Studio that specialises in using Pilates for Pilates Pain Relief such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain and more. Joanna uses myofascial release techniques, gryotonic and pilates to nurse many of her clients back to health.